Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards in Ames, Iowa (2158013445) (2)

Elizabeth Edwards
Born	Mary Elizabeth Anania (1949-07-03)July 3, 1949 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Died	December 7, 2010(2010-12-07) (aged 61) Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.
Nationality	American
Alma mater	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Occupation	Attorney, author, health care activist
Spouse(s)	John Edwards (m. 1977; div. 2010)
Children	4, including Cate Edwards

Elizabeth Anania Edwards (July 3, 1949 – December 7, 2010) was an American attorney, author, and health care activist. She was married to John Edwards, the former United States Senator from North Carolina and 2004 United States Democratic vice presidential nominee. Elizabeth Edwards was a prominent figure in her own right, known for her advocacy on health care issues and her personal battle with breast cancer.

Early life and education

Elizabeth Edwards was born Mary Elizabeth Anania in Jacksonville, Florida, to Vincent Anania, a United States Navy pilot, and Elizabeth Thweatt Anania. She spent part of her childhood in Japan and other locations due to her father's military career. Edwards graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in English and later earned her Juris Doctor from the same institution.

Career

Elizabeth Edwards began her career as a law clerk for a federal judge and later worked as an attorney in private practice. She also served as a bankruptcy attorney and taught legal writing as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Personal life

Elizabeth married John Edwards in 1977. The couple had four children: Wade, Cate, Emma Claire, and Jack. Their son Wade died in a car accident in 1996, a tragedy that deeply affected the family. Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, shortly after her husband's vice-presidential campaign. She became an advocate for health care reform and wrote two books, "Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers" and "Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities."

Health care advocacy

Elizabeth Edwards was a vocal advocate for health care reform in the United States. She used her personal experience with breast cancer to highlight the importance of accessible and affordable health care for all Americans. She supported various health care initiatives and worked with organizations to promote cancer awareness and research.

Death

Elizabeth Edwards passed away on December 7, 2010, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after a long battle with breast cancer. Her legacy continues through her contributions to health care advocacy and her writings.

Legacy

Elizabeth Edwards is remembered for her resilience, advocacy, and contributions to public discourse on health care. Her books and public appearances inspired many, and her work continues to influence health care policy discussions.

See also

• John Edwards
• Cate Edwards
• Breast cancer
• Health care reform in the United States